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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) sponsored one of the most popular categories at this year's National Home Improvement Council's (NHIC) Annual Awards, now in its 30th highly successful year.
Penwith Housing Association won the FMB-sponsored award for 'The Best Use and Most Interesting Development of a Brownfield Site or Recycled Building by Either a Public Sector Organisation or a Private Developer' category, presented by Nigel Griffiths, MP for Construction, at a special awards luncheon in London this week.
'Build and Train', a two year programme set up in April 2002 to train young builders and provide them with a trade, was also involved in the winning project. The training course offers college-based training and on-site work experience providing opportunities for trainees to achieve an NVQ level in construction trade and helps to secure employment in their chosen trade.
The FMB works closely with the NHIC Council to encourage continued improvement initiatives within the private and public housing sectors. This is the 4th year the FMB has sponsored this popular category.
Speaking after the presentation Ian Davis, FMB director general said:
"The FMB is pleased to sponsor this ever popular category and congratulate Penwith Housing Association for its remarkable project. This project reflects the growing importance of modernising and renovating existing buildings, homes and land to provide good quality housing. Today's new houses, which should still be in use in 100 years, must be well constructed and ready to meet the emerging demands for housing.
"With today's skills shortages, continued Davis "the future success of the industry hinges on schemes like 'Build and Train' to attract and retain talented young people."
The project included the conversion of a grade II listed 19th century chapel in Redruth, Cornwall into eight, one and two bedroom flats and a new development of five flats and six houses. The judges felt the project addressed issues, such as affordable and sustainable housing for local Cornish families, whilst creating jobs and skills for local people.
Chief Executive of Penwith Housing Association, Andy Moore, said
"The success of the scheme was due to the partnership work between the housing association and the contractor, J & E Regan, supported by Kerrier District Council, Redruth Town Council, the Housing Corporation and The Young Builders Trust".
First posted: 27 November 2003. Last modified: 27 November 2003.
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